Warren Jeffs, the leader of the Fundamentalist Mormon church that practises polygamy, is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was given the maximum sentence for taking girls as young as 12 to be his brides.

SNIP

...a Texas jury took just 40 minutes to hand him the toughest sentence open to them  life in prison for aggravated sexual assault and 20 years in prison for sexual assault of a child...

SNIP

The polygamist Mormons, under Jeffs's leadership, refused to renounce plural marriages and now have about 10,000 followers. The jury heard that Jeffs personally had about 78 wives, including 12 who he married at 16 and 12 who he married at 15 or younger.

Jurors were played audio tapes which the prosecution alleged recorded Jeffs giving sexual instructions to several underage wives. One tape was said to have captured the sounds of Jeffs having sex inside the temple at the church's Yearning for Zion Ranch...

The court was also presented with DNA evidence that showed Jeffs fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl.

The jury heard that Jeffs was an overweening presence within his church.

When fathers resisted handing over their daughters, Jeffs would expel them  he ejected 60 church members and broke up 300 families.

As the carrot to the stick, he encouraged fathers to give away their teenage daughters by offering them their own young brides.

SNIP

In the course of his defence, Jeffs said polygamy was a "pure, natural way of life" and one of "God's laws". He pointed out that it was a central element of Mormonism in the early days of the church, which was founded by Joseph Smith in New York state in the 1820s.

From the article: The jury heard that Jeffs personally had about 78 wives, including 12 who he married at 16 and 12 who he married at 15 or younger....In the course of his defence, Jeffs said polygamy was a "pure, natural way of life" and one of "God's laws". He pointed out that it was a central element of Mormonism in the early days of the church, which was founded by Joseph Smith in New York state in the 1820s. Smith himself is thought to have had at least 30 wives.

Sick! Absolutely sick!!! Had Smith lived another 17 years like Warren Jeffs, he, too, would have likely had 78 wives!

From the article: When fathers resisted handing over their daughters, Jeffs would expel them  he ejected 60 church members and broke up 300 families. As the carrot to the stick, he encouraged fathers to give away their teenage daughters by offering them their own young brides.

So what happens to all the wives? Are they married until the nut dies in prison? Can they get a divorce in this cult?

- - - - - -
There is no ‘divorce’ but there is ‘reassignment’ usually determined by the prophet or husband. Women don’t really have any say.

As long as Jeffs is in charge (which I don’t think will be that long), his wives will remain his wives. However, as soon as someone takes over for Jeffs or Jeffs is killed (they will say martyred), then his wives will be reassigned with the new prophet having first choice then the other upper leaders.

Women are cattle in these groups, little more.

There have been some articles stating that Jeffs will maintain control, but I don’t see for how long, there are too many clamoring for his power. I also would not be surprised if some of his brothers (who want power) arranged for him to be killed in prison just to make the power grab easier.

8
posted on 08/11/2011 5:41:07 AM PDT
by reaganaut
(Ex-Mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see")

Fawn Brodie argues that the self-proclaimed prophet had 56 plural wives and presents her evidence in an appendix to her excellent historical biography of Joseph. She strongly intimated there were many more, but refused to reveal any information she had gleaned from confidential Mormon archives whose access was gained by virtue of her relationship with LDS Church President David McKay (her uncle).

Other biographers assert the number exceeds 80 - most in the neighborhood of 84-86 - with some claiming a total as high as 180.

While it is true that Smith was a serial adulterer, there were many more women who asserted they were "sealed" to the man than he was physically capable of servicing. There were also claimants whom historians can prove never met the man. Thus almost all historians agree that the higher marriage totals include a lot of "wishful thinking." Others point out that sleeping with Smith doesn't necessarily mean that they were "married" to him and thus qualified to spend time and all eternity in his celestial harem.

The bottom line is that we will never know the true extend of Joseph's wickedness, but by any standard, it is appalling and disgraceful.

11
posted on 08/11/2011 5:50:32 AM PDT
by Zakeet
(If it ain't broke, the Wee Wee will fix it until it is)

Joseph Smith was apparently a lot like Mohammad: a false Christ, a false Scripture, "revelations" which were either delusory or deliberate self-aggrandizing fabrications, a formula for grabbing political power, the killing of "deserters" and "apostates", and a whole lot of sexual subjugation, with any female he could get his hands on.

It shouldn't surprise anyone when a religious charlatan like Mohammad or Joseph Smith follows this pattern. But what still surprises me, is that so many people --- men and women ---- become willing followers.

15
posted on 08/11/2011 6:49:28 AM PDT
by Mrs. Don-o
(Yes, discriminate! - Between right and wrong, truth and error, virtue and evil, Christ and chaos.)

Ever notice how closely this ‘religion’ resembles Islam?
Both are designed so that men can get all the sex they want- especially from underage girls, keep women under their thumbs and make them third class citizens by keeping them fearful, ignorant and pregnant?

21
posted on 08/11/2011 9:29:44 AM PDT
by patriot08
(TEXAS GAL- born and bred and proud of it!)

Foxxie ... I'm ashamed of you!!!! You know better than to make a silly comment like that!

As as you can see in the photo, the prophet-stud is still wearing his garmies. The original trap door version no less! And we all know will protect him from all harm! Just like they did for Abel and Joseph and Hyrum!

You need to brush up on your rites, rituals and dogma real bad.

23
posted on 08/11/2011 10:07:41 AM PDT
by Zakeet
(If it ain't broke, the Wee Wee will fix it until it is)

As as you can see in the photo, the prophet-stud is still wearing his garmies. The original trap door version no less! And we all know will protect him from all harm! Just like they did for Abel and Joseph and Hyrum!

I betcha Warren's new "homies" will find that trapdoor version mighty handy!

24
posted on 08/11/2011 10:21:50 AM PDT
by greyfoxx39
(My God can't be bribed by money or good works or bound by manmade "covenants". Romney's can.)

While it is true that Smith was a serial adulterer, there were many more women who asserted they were "sealed" to the man than he was physically capable of servicing.

INDEED!

THEDOCTRINE AND COVENANTSOF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 132

5157, Emma Smith is counseled (commanded) to be faithful and true; 5866, Laws governing the plurality of wives are set forth.

51 Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to aprove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice.

52 And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, areceive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God.

53 For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph that he shall be made ruler over many things; for he hath been afaithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will strengthen him.

54 And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and acleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment she shall be bdestroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her if she abide not in my law.

55 But if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him and multiply him and give unto him an ahundredfold in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of beternal lives in the eternal worlds.

56 And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid aforgive my servant Joseph his trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has trespassed against me; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to brejoice.

Joe: I heard a voice, probably the Lord, tell me I must take other wives.

Emma: WHAT!? You ding bat! Don't you KNOW what our precious BOOK says? After all; YOU are the one that translated it!

Joe: Books; schmooks. All I know is I've been COMMANDED to take other wives and you are to OBEY ME!!!

Emma: "Though shalt NOT commit ADULTERY!!!"

Joe: Silly Woman! You KNOW better than to take things out of CONTEXT!!!

...and the rest is HISTORY...

THE BOOK OF JACOBTHE BROTHER OF NEPHI

CHAPTER 2

24 Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord. 25 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph. 26 Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. 27 Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; 28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. 29 Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes. 30 For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things. 31 For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands. 32 And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts.

Or even HERE:

1 Timothy 3:2-3 2. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3. not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

Emma: That's IT! I'm LEAVING your sorry *!!!

Joe: DARN you Emma; you were TOLD to accept this!! Wait!!! I hear a voice again!!!

THEDOCTRINE AND COVENANTSOF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 132

5157, Emma Smith is counseled (commanded) to be faithful and true; 5866, Laws governing the plurality of wives are set forth.

51 Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to aprove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice.

52 And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, areceive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God.

53 For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph that he shall be made ruler over many things; for he hath been afaithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will strengthen him.

54 And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and acleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandmentshe shall be bdestroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her if she abide not in my law.

55 But if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him and multiply him and give unto him an ahundredfold in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of beternal lives in the eternal worlds.

56 And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid aforgive my servant Joseph his trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has trespassed against me; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to brejoice.

28
posted on 08/11/2011 11:44:53 AM PDT
by Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)

I betcha Warren's new "homies" will find that trapdoor version mighty handy!

OOOoooh!

1 Timothy 4:1-21. The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

1 Timothy 1:3-43. As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4. nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith.

1 Timothy 6:3-53. If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4. he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5. and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

30
posted on 08/11/2011 11:49:38 AM PDT
by Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)

it is Hymn #27 in the current LDS Church Hymnal, and here's a reference to writing of the hymn from the LDS Website.

In context, understand that the LDS Church recognizes Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God, sent to restore what they believe to be the one true church. An LDS Freeper can restate that better than I wrote it. I often disagree with the LDS Church on its position regarding 'faith-promoting history" but I recognize the right of LDS to believe as they choose to believe.

35
posted on 08/11/2011 1:42:41 PM PDT
by Scoutmaster
(You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred.)

What Utah hasn't been able to do in over a century of statehood, took less than a decade for Texas to do that.

It's called Mormon ambivalence over polygamy. They straight-arm it; but rarely tackle it. Why? Could it have something to do with their belief that many of their dead "prophets," "apostles," & even twice-married current "general authorities" are or will be considered eternal polygamists.

Not defending this perv, but does the Guardian use the same headline when an honor killing occurs?

Most probably not. It would be "underage", or something like that.

Like you, I am NOT defending this cult leader, but I would be far more impressed if the state could prosecute others for the same crime. It says here that it was proved in court that he fathered a child with a 15 year old, in a polygamist marriage. They are horrified by the Mormonism, not the underage sex.

I guarantee you I could go to many schools in that state, and find some pupil on the rolls who is pregnant at 15 - or less. No charges are laid. Unmarried teenage girls having babies - even at the age of 12 - are well known in our modern Western societies. But they are not involved in polygamist cults. So the law does nothing.

I guarantee you I could go to many schools in that state, and find some pupil on the rolls who is pregnant at 15 - or less. No charges are laid. Unmarried teenage girls having babies - even at the age of 12 - are well known in our modern Western societies.

It must be something about the ABUSE OF POWER that got ol' Jeffy in trouble - NOT his religion.

43
posted on 08/12/2011 4:51:58 AM PDT
by Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)

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